Indianapolis Domestic Partnership Lawyer

Is your partnership legally secure?

Domestic partnerships are helpful for people who would prefer to avoid
the formalities of marriage. While this may be the ideal arrangement for
your situation, it is important to realize that forming a partnership
may pose certain economic risks should the relationship come to an end.
Come to Bowen & Associates, LLC to work with an Indianapolis family
lawyer who can help you make informed decisions for your domestic partnership.

Why You Need a Cohabitation Agreement

The need for a cohabitation agreement may not be evident during the course
of a domestic partnership. In many ways, the life shared by two partners
closely resembles that shared by a married couple, making it difficult
to anticipate the problems that can arise in the case of a breakup or
emergency; however, because state law does not provide domestic partners
with the same legal rights as married couples, it is essential that you
plan ahead.

A cohabitation agreement can establish legally enforceable terms that will
last throughout the duration of your domestic partnership. For example,
the document can provide stability during the relationship by clearly
defining each party's rights and responsibilities. In the event that
the relationship ends, provisions for property division will simplify
the process of separation.

Likewise, a cohabitation agreement can provide for the following needs:

Guardianship and parental rights

Paternal rights concerning a child born into the partnership

Inheritance, in the event of the incapacity or death of either party

Powers of attorney (the ability to speak for the other spouse in a medical
emergency)

The value of a cohabitation agreement cannot be understated. By drawing
up a legally binding document at the outset of your partnership, you can
ensure that both parties enter the relationship with the same expectations.
This will protect your rights throughout the relationship and ensure that
you have a basis for resolving a number of legal disputes, should they arise.

Seek Counsel from an Experienced Trial Lawyer

When you work with Bowen & Associates, LLC, you will receive legal
counsel informed by years of experience. Our firm has built a reputation
for legal aptitude and professionalism in a wide range of
family law matters, leading to our inclusion in the 2014 list of
Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠. In everything we do, we strive to maintain a personable approach to clients' needs.

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